How to Match Your Keyboard to Your Mouse
The keyboard and mouse duo is as intricate as milk and sugar for your coffee. Choosing your mouse and keyboard is a precise science mixed with personal preference for work just like milk and sugar is for your coffee. There are multiple different types of keyboards and computer mice on the market, just like there are a lot of types of milk and sugars to choose from. Especially when you go into a specialty store. Some choices are better for your health than others and this may differ for the person standing in line next to you. Everyone has specific health needs as well as preferences that come into play when choosing the perfect cup of coffee and the keyboard/mouse combo is not exempt from this. This blog is going to help you navigate the variety of options available for keyboard and mouse combos and help you understand which ones are best for you.
One of the main things to know when it comes to choosing a keyboard and a mouse is that you are looking for a combo that minimizes your reach and yet still allows you to perform your tasks at a high level. For example, if you use your number keypad a lot you will want it to be easily accessible and not reach for the numbers at the top of the keyboard. On a traditional keyboard your number pad is connected to your keyboard on the right side. This makes for a further reach for your clicking tasks. A good solution for this if you want to stick to a regular keyboard is to start clicking with your left hand. This would mean that you have to find a left handed or ambidextrous mouse.
Another very important aspect to think about when choosing the perfect keyboard/mouse combo is how open you are to trying new things. If you are set in your ways, you will most likely try to stay as close to the set up you currently have and improve it as much as possible without having to learn something new. If you don’t use your number keypad often, a little change that will not alter your desk much but will help reduce the reach for your mouse is a compact keyboard. Although, if you are a person that is interested in trying new things you will probably opt to click with your left hand or try an ambidextrous mouse to split the clicking task between your two hands.
Last but not least, you will want to take into consideration your physique. The width of your shoulders and the size of your hands, in particular. Compact keyboards and small computer mice are great for people with small hands and shoulders. Whereas split keyboards, which are great to begin with, are even better for people with wide shoulders, the split aspect of the keyboard allows for spacing the keyboard in a manner that one doesn’t need to internally rotate their shoulders.
There is no specific recipe for all individuals, just like sugar and milk in your coffee. You will have to take into consideration your ergonomic risks, your ability to accept changes, and your body type. Although there is no blueprint, here is a keyboard matchmaker to help you find your best match. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@myergomania.com.
